Methods and instructions for installing and removing a fabric conditioning article in a dryer

ABSTRACT

Methods, and instructions thereof, for installing and removing a multiple use fabric conditioning article from a clothes dryer are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to the following U.S. Provisional PatentApplications: 60/548,374, filed Feb. 27, 2004; 60/550,555, filed Mar. 5,2004; 60/550,669, filed Mar. 5, 2004; 60/550,557, filed Mar. 5, 2004;60/555,860 filed Mar. 24, 2004; 60/555,950 filed Mar. 24, 2004;60/560,121, filed Apr. 7, 2004; and 60/591,032, filed Jul. 26, 2004, thedisclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to methods, and instructions thereof,for installing and removing a fabric conditioning article in a dryer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dryer-added fabric conditioner products provide a better convenience tothe consumer as compared to the rinse-added fabric conditioner productsbecause they spare the consumer the requirement of having to be presentright at the beginning of the rinse cycle.

There are two main types of dryer-added fabric conditioner products,namely, single use product and multiple-use products. Single useproducts, most commonly in the sheet form coated with a fabricconditioning composition, calls for adding a single sheet into anautomatic clothes dryer containing a wet laundry load, at the beginningof the drying cycle. Examples of this type of product are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 3,442,692 to Gaiser and U.S. Pat. No. 3,686,025 to Mortonet al.

Multiple use fabric conditioning products are placed in the interior ofthe dryer to release the fabric conditioning component to successivelaundry loads. Each multiple-use product lasts many drying cycles, froma few cycles to about 50 or more cycles, and thus provides a betterconvenience to the consumer than single use products. The multiple-useproduct can either be an unattached article that is added to anautomatic clothes dryer and is tumbled along with a wet laundry load, oran article that is attached (releasably or otherwise) to the interior ofan automatic dryer drum. An example of an unattached multiple use fabricconditioning article is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,199 issued Jul.11, 1972 to Hewitt et al. An example of a releasably affixed fabricconditioning article is described in U.S. 2003/0192197 A1.

Releasably affixed multiple use fabric conditioning products provide theadvantage inter alia of multiple uses without having to be replacedafter each load. Releasably affixed articles also provide a betterconvenience than single use products or unattached multiple use productsbecause the consumer does not need to search for the product after eachdrying cycle. However, a problem facing products that are releasablyaffixed in the interior of a dryer, is how to place them inside thedryer, and instructing users the same, for optimal results and highconsumer satisfaction. The problem is further compounded, at least inthe United States, by roughly half of dryers spinning clockwise whilethe other half spinning counterclockwise.

This is particularly problematic given the multitude of different dryerscommercially available. Therefore, there is a need for methods, andinstructions thereof, for installing a dryer multiple use fabricconditioning articles in a dryer.

Another problem associated with releasably affixed multiple use fabricconditioning article is removing it from the dryer after having expiredor when no longer needed or wanted, particularly when it is releasableaffixed with an adhesive. Indeed these adhesive must be strong enough tohold the article through multiple dryer cycles and withstand forcesapplied to the article by the dryer drum rotating as well as wet laundrycontacting the article during a drying cycle. Therefore there is a needto provide a method and instructions for use to remove a releasablyattached multiple use fabric conditioning article from the insidesurface of a dryer after the article has expired or when it is no longerwanted or needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses these needs by providing methods, andinstructions thereof, for installing a dryer block in an automaticclothes dryer.

One aspect of the invention provides for a method of installing areleasably affixed, multiple use, fabric conditioning article in a dryercomprising the step of operatively affixing the conditioning article toan engaging side of a dryer baffle of the dryer.

Another aspect of the invention provides for a method of installing amultiple use fabric conditioning article comprising the steps: (a)determining a rotation of a drum of a dryer as either clockwise orcounterclockwise; and (b) operatively affixing the article to anengaging side of a baffle of the drum.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides for a method of installinga multiple use fabric conditioning article in a clothes dryer comprisingthe step of determining whether a dryer baffle is substantially flat orsubstantially non-flat.

Yet still another aspect of the invention provides for a method ofremoving a fabric conditioning article from an inside surface of adryer, wherein said fabric conditioning article is affixed to the insidesurface by an adhesive, comprising the steps: (a) operating the dryer toheat the adhesive; and (b) prying the fabric conditioning article toremove the article from the inside surface of the dryer.

Another aspect of the invention provides for a kit comprising: (a) amultiple use fabric conditioning article; and (b) an instruction forusing said article according to any of the previously described methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a substantially flat baffle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a substantially flat baffle with ridges.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a substantially non-flat baffle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hump fin.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dryer with a multiple use fabricconditioning article releasably attached to a baffle of the drum of thedryer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions:

“Adhesive” is used herein the broadest sense to include any adhesivethat is suitable for use in a dryer to releasably attach a multiple usefabric conditioning article. Non limiting examples of adhesives include:resin adhesives, latex; hotmelts, thermoplastic adhesives, acrylics,vinyl acetates, natural and synthetic rubbers, natural and syntheticgums, polysiloxanes, polyacrylates, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers,polyvinylpyrrolidones, vinylpyrrolidone copolymers and particularlyvinyl pyrrolidone/vinylacetates, styrene block copolymers, natural orsynthetic polysaccharides, cellulose materials, and mixtures thereof.Suitable suppliers of adhesives include 3M and National Starch. Anon-limiting specific example of adhesive is the double-sided tape, partnumber 4084, commercially available from 3M.

“Baffle” is used herein to describe a lifter or fin located on a druminside a dryer, and can be integral or non-integral to the drum. Bafflesare usually made of plastic, ceramic, metal, or a combination of thesematerials, but typically plastic is used. Baffles have at least anengaging side and a non-engaging side. A barrel typically comprises atleast one baffle, often at least two, if not three baffles. As explainedin further detail, which side of the baffle is the engaging side willdepend on the rotational direction of the drum (i.e., clockwise orcounterclockwise). The engaging side is the leading side of the baffleas the drum rotates and will engage or lift wet laundry as the dryeroperates. Baffles can be divided into two types: (i) a substantiallyflat baffle; or (ii) a substantially non-flat baffle. Generally a flatbaffle is typically non-integral to the drum whereas a non-flat bafflecan be either integral or non-integral to the drum. A flat bafflecomprises an engaging side that is substantially flat, however maycomprise small ridges. Non-flat baffles typically have a substantiallyconcave and/or substantially convex surface. Generally the substantiallyconcave surface comprises the engaging side of the non-flat baffle. Somenon-flat baffles are “V-shaped.”

An example of a substantially flat baffle is illustrated in FIG. 1, andcan be found, e.g., in the following dryer brands and models: Whirlpool®LER4634 J, Kenmore® 62802, Kenmore® 64942, Maytag® SDE2606, andFridigaire® GLER331AS2. FIG. 1 is from the viewpoint of a user lookinginside the dryer into the drum 10 illustrating a perspective view of abaffle 15, wherein the baffle is a flat baffle, which is non-integral tothe drum 10.

FIG. 2 is also from the viewpoint of a user looking inside the dryerinto the drum 10 illustrating a perspective view of a baffle 15, whereinthe baffle comprises a flat baffle further comprising ridges 40. A flatbaffle with ridges can be found, for example, in Maytag® Model MD6000.

FIG. 3 is also from the viewpoint of a user looking inside the dryerinto the drum 10 illustrating a perspective view of a baffle 15, whereinthe baffle 15 comprises a non-flat baffle that is V-shaped. A typicalV-shaped baffle comprises an engaging side 25, wherein the engaging sidecomprises two substantially flat surface moieties 45 connected to eachother, wherein the connection therebetween forms an angle typically fromabout 130° to about 175°, preferably from about 145° to about 165°. Afabric conditioning article 5 can be placed on either surface moiety 45of the engaging side 25, however the surface moiety 45 nearest the dryerdoor is preferred. An example of a non-flat or V-shaped baffle isillustrated in FIG. 3, and can be found, e.g., the following models ofGE® brand dryers: DBXR463ED1WW and DBXR463EB.

“Hump fin,” in contrast to a “baffle,” is used herein to describe a finthat is generally semi-cylindrical in shape that fails to provide asuitable surface upon which to releasably affix a multiple use fabricconditioning article. A hump fin can be made from a variety of materialsbut is made typically of metal. Referring to FIG. 4, a hump fin 5 istypically an extension of the drum 10 its self (e.g., a uniform piece ofthe drum 10). An example of a hump fin is illustrated in FIG. 4, and canbe found, e.g., in Roper® model REX4634KQ2. In one embodiment,releasably affixing the fabric conditioning article to the hump fin isavoided.

“Dryer” means any type of clothes dryer that uses heat and agitation toremove water from the laundry. An exemplary dryer includes a tumble-typedryer where the laundry is provided within a rotating drum that causesthe laundry to tumble during the operation of the dryer. In oneembodiment, the dryer is a non-stackable dryer. In another embodiment,the dryer is a front loading dryer. In yet another embodiment, the dryeris a one designed for home use (opposed to an industrial setting).

“Fabric” refers to any textile or fabric material that is laundered,e.g., garment.

“Fabric conditioning composition” means a composition that comprises atleast a fabric conditioning component, and preferably a carriercomponent, that is preferably substantially solid (e.g., gel), even morepreferably solid, at room temperature (e.g., at about 23° C.). Thefabric conditioning component provides fabric conditioning properties tolaundry such as, but not limited to fabric softening, freshness, and/orantistatic. The fabric conditioning component refers to any substanceknown in the art that is dispensed to laundry in the dryer that impartsa desired property. Other fabric conditioning components and otheroptional ingredients may include one or more of: a sanitizer,deodorizer, odor control agent, soil repellant, soil release agent,dye-transfer inhibitor, dye fixative agent, chlorine scavenging agent,chelant, fiber protecting polymer, fiber smoother, antimicrobial agent,fungicide, antioxidant, preservative, insect repellent, moth repellent,UV light absorber, optical brightener, wrinkle control agent, processingagent, and/or mold release agent.

The carrier component mixes with the fabric conditioning component andhelps the fabric conditioning component resist transfer to laundry bymelting during the drying operation. The carrier component is chosen sothat the fabric conditioning composition exhibits a melting point orsoftening point that is above the operating temperature of the dryer. Inmost dryer operations, this means that the melting temperature of thefabric conditioning composition is above about 90° C. The meltingtemperature or the softening temperature of the fabric conditioningcomposition can be above about 95° C., above about 100° C., above about110° C., or above about 120° C. The melting temperature of the fabricconditioning composition can be below 200° C., below about 180° C., orbelow about 170° C.

The melting temperature of the fabric conditioning composition, if acarrier component is present, refers to the temperature at which thecomposition begins to flow under its own weight. As the fabricconditioning composition reaches its melting point, one will observe thecomposition undergoing a transfer from a solid discreet mass to aflowable liquid. Although a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC)measurement of the composition may reveal that certain portions orphases of the composition may exhibit melting at temperatures that arewithin the operating temperatures of a dryer, it should be understoodthat what is meant by the melting temperature of the composition is notthe melting temperature of certain portions or phases within thecomposition, but the melting temperature of the composition asdemonstrated by the composition being visibly observed as a flowableliquid. It is expected that the fabric conditioning composition may beprovided as a solid mixture including multiple phases or as a solidsolution including a single phase.

The softening temperature of the composition refers to the temperatureat which the solid mass becomes easily deformable. For many exemplarycompositions according to the invention, it is expected that thesoftening temperature will be a few degrees below the meltingtemperature.

Non-limiting examples of suitable fabric conditioning compositions aredescribed in U.S. Appl. Pub. 2003/0195130 A1 published Oct. 16, 2003 toLentsch et al., and any continuation-in-part applications thereof.

“Fabric conditioning article” is used herein the broadest sense toinclude at least either: (i) an article comprising a fabric conditioningcomposition; or (ii) a docking member for an article comprising a fabricconditioning composition. Preferably the fabric conditioning article isone that is a multiple use fabric conditioning article and that isreleasably affixed to the inside or interior surface of a dryer. In oneembodiment, a releasably affixed fabric conditioning article is one thatis operatively and/or releasably affixed to the inside surface of adryer, preferably a baffle of a drum of the dryer. A preferred exampleof a releasably affixed multiple use fabric conditioning article isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2003/0192197 A1 published Oct.16, 2003 to Griese et al. This patent application discloses a productdispenser system comprising a docking member (referred to as“dispenser”) that is releasably affixed to an inner surface of a clothesdryer, a fabric conditioning composition (referred to as “product”) thatis attached to a composition carrier (referred to as “product carrier”),wherein said composition carrier is operatively connected to the dockingmember. Suitable docking members and/or composition carriers aredescribed in U.S. Provisional Appl. Nos.: 60/555,950, filed Mar. 3,2004; and 60/555,860, filed Mar. 3, 2004. For purposes of clarification,the term “releasably affixed” encompasses those embodiments of fabricconditioning article with or without a docking member (or dispenser).The side of the fabric conditioning article that is in contact with thebulk of the fabric conditioning composition may be flat or have asmooth, arced or dome-like shape. Other suitable shapes are described inU.S. Prov. Appl. No. 60/550,6690, filed Mar. 5, 2004. A suitable fabricconditioning composition for use in the present invention is describedin U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2003/0195130 A1 published Oct. 16, 2003 toLentsch et al. In use, the fabric conditioning article is attached tothe inside or interior surface of a dryer and a wet laundry load istumbled in the presence of said article while being dried in order toreceive the conditioning benefits. After drying, the laundry is removedbut the article is left in place and is ready for the next load of wetlaundry for drying.

“Multiple use,” in the phrase “multiple use fabric conditioningarticle,” means the fabric conditioning article may be used to deliver adesired amount of a fabric conditioning component to laundry during atleast two cycles for drying laundry, preferably at least about 10cycles, more preferably at least about 20 cycles, even more preferablyat least about 30 cycles, yet more preferably at least about 40 cycles,and again even more preferably at least about 50 cycles, alternativelyat least about 60 cycles, before the fabric conditioning article needsto be replaced.

Methods of Installing a Fabric Conditioning Article

One aspect of the invention provides for a method of installing areleasably affixed, multiple use, fabric conditioning article in a dryercomprising the step of operatively affixing the article to an engagingside of a baffle of the dryer. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dryerwith a fabric conditioning article 5 releasably attached thereto. Thedryer 1, is shown having a drum 10 and baffles 15. In this embodiment,the baffle 15 is a flat baffle. The drum 10 is shown havingcounterclockwise direction of rotation 20. The baffles 15 have at leastan engaging side 25 and a non-engaging side 30. The term “engaging side”25 is used herein to define the surface of the baffle 15 that engagesthe drying laundry as the drum 20 rotates. The engaging side 25 isintended to lift or scoop the laundry (not shown) during a drying cycle.The non-engaging side 30 of the baffle is the side opposite of theengaging side 25. The non-engaging side 30 may make contact with thelaundry during dryer operation but such contact is less frequent and/orless direct as the laundry tumbles through the barrel 20 during thedrying cycle. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the direction of rotation 20 ofthe drum 10 will dictate what side of the baffle 15 is the engagingside. Lastly, the lowest elevation point 35 of the barrel 10 is shown.

It should be appreciated that a user can typically readily identify thelowest elevation point 35 given the barrel's 10 proximity to the floorwhile a user is typically viewing the barrel, that forms the insidesurface of the dryer 1, from an elevated perspective such as in astanding or even a bent-over position. Therefore, a user can usuallyobserve the surface of the barrel 10 that is closest to the floor in themost comfortable or natural position, whereas the lowest elevation point35 merely describing the lowest point (relative the floor) of saidsurface. This is contrast to an upper surface of the barrel where a userwould be forced, for example, to kneel down and insert and turn theirhead in the dryer to observe the upper surface. This may result indiscomfort, specifically perhaps neck and knee pain, which may beparticularly true for elderly users. The present invention is based, inpart, upon the surprising discovery that if the fabric conditioningarticle is placed on the engaging side a baffle, there may bedemonstrated a greater efficacy of administering of the fabricconditioning component to fabric, and/or less lint collected and/orvisible on the article during the life of the product, as compared tobeing placed on the dryer door or on the non-engaging side of thebaffle, of the fabric conditioning component on per dryer cycle basisover the course of multiple dryer cycles. Without wishing to be bound bytheory the greater efficacy may be attributed to a better contact of thesoftener active block with the garments to be treated. Without wishingto be bound by theory, mitigating the collection of lint on the articleover repeated dryer cycles may also provide an enhanced ability of thearticle to administer the fabric conditioning component given thephysical barrier that the accumulation of lint may pose (i.e., byinterfering with the ability of laundry to directly contact the surfaceof the fabric conditioning composition of the fabric conditioningarticle). In one embodiment, the efficacy is increased from about onepercent to about ten percent, in another embodiment, from about fivepercent to about twenty percent.

One aspect of the invention provides for a method of using a releasablyaffixed, multiple use, fabric conditioning article in a dryer comprisingthe step of operatively affixing the article to an engaging side of abaffle of the dryer to provide for more consistent delivery of aconditioning component to fabric in a dryer during dryer operation. Yetanother aspect of the invention provides for a method of using areleasably affixed, multiple use, fabric conditioning article in a dryercomprising the step of operatively affixing the article to an engagingside of a baffle of the dryer to minimize the accumulation of lint onsaid article during dryer operation.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of installing a multipleuse fabric conditioning article comprising the steps: (a) determining arotation of a drum of a dryer as either clockwise or counterclockwise;and (b) operatively affixing the article to an engaging side of a baffleof the drum.

Drums of dryers typically rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise.There are at least two ways of determining the rotation of a drum of adryer. A first way of determining drum rotation comprises the steps ofopening a door to the dryer while the dryer is in operation andobserving the rotation of the drum. The duration of the dryer operatingneed only be long enough for the user to observe the rotation of thebarrel upon opening the door of the dryer before the safety features ofthe dryer bring the barrel to a stop. In one embodiment, the duration isbetween one second and ten seconds. In one embodiment, the step ofdetermining the rotation of a drum of a dryer comprises the steps of:(a) starting a dryer, preferably an empty dryer; (b) waiting from aboutone second to about ten seconds; (c) opening a door to the dryer whilethe dryer is in operation; and (d) observing the rotation of the drum.

A second way of determining drum rotation comprises the step ofextracting information from a database, which provides drum rotation ona dryer manufacturer and/or model basis. The phrase “extractinginformation from a database” is used herein the broadest sense toinclude information that is available in a leaflet, flyer, insert or onpackaging or on the Internet. The information is preferably presented ina manner that facilitates the user to look up drum rotation based uponthe user's dryer manufacturer and/or model including, but not limitedto, a data table or text searchable database.

After a determining whether drum rotation is clockwise orcounterclockwise, the user, in one embodiment, from the perspective oflooking inside the dryer, may operably affix the fabric conditioningarticle to the engaging side of a baffle of the drum of the dryer byeither: (i) affixing the article to the left side of the baffle, if therotation of the drum is clockwise and provided the baffle issubstantially at or near the lowest point of elevation point in thebarrel; or (ii) affixing the article to the right side of the baffle, ifthe rotation of the drum is counterclockwise and provided the baffle issubstantially at or near the lowest point of elevation in the drum.

Another aspect of the invention provides for a method of installing afabric conditioning article comprising the step of determining whether abaffle is substantially flat or substantially non-flat. A user maydetermine whether the baffle is flat or non-flat by comparing the user'sbaffle in question to illustrations or pictures or written descriptionsof known flat or non-flat baffles.

Another way of determining whether a baffle is flat or non-flatcomprises the step of extracting information from a database, whichprovides whether a baffle is flat or non-flat on a dryer manufacturerand/or model basis. The phrase “extracting information from a database”is used herein the broadest sense to include information that isavailable in a leaflet, flyer, insert or on packaging or on theInternet. The information is preferably presented in a manner thatfacilitates the user to look up type of baffle based upon the user'sdryer manufacturer and/or model including, but not limited to, a datatable or text searchable database.

In another embodiment, the method of installing a fabric conditioningarticle comprises the additional step of operatively affixing thearticle to an engaging side of a baffle of the drum.

One way of determining whether the drum rotation in a dryer is eitherclockwise or counterclockwise, or which is side of a baffle is theengaging side, is to determine the location of a dryer's lint screen.This method is particularly useful when the baffle is a substantiallyflat-baffle. To this end, some generalities on the drum rotation can bemade based upon the location of the lint screen of a dryer. For example,to date essentially all non-stackable dryers for home use rotateclockwise when the lint screen is located inside the dryer, typicallyimmediately at the threshold between the door to the dryer and thebarrel. These dryers are typically known in the industry as axial flowdryers. In contrast, a drum typically rotates counter clockwise when thelint screen is located outside the dryer, typically on the top of thedryer near the control panel. These contrasting dryers are typicallyknown in the industry as cross flow dryers.

Thus, one additional step in a method of installing a fabricconditioning article may comprise determining whether access to a lintscreen is either inside the dryer or outside the dryer. If the userdetermines that the access to the lint screen is outside the clothesdryer, the method, in another embodiment, may comprise the additionalstep of operatively affixing the conditioning article at the right sideof the substantially non-flat fin, provided the baffle is substantiallyat or near the lowest point of elevation in the drum. In contrast, ifthe user determines that the access to the lint screen is inside theclothes dryer, the method, in yet another embodiment, may comprise theadditional step of operatively affixing the conditioning article at theleft side of the substantially non-flat fin, provided the baffle issubstantially at or near the lowest point of elevation in the drum.

Methods of Removing a Fabric Conditioning Article

One aspect of the invention provides for a method of removing a fabricconditioning article from an inside surface of a dryer, wherein saidfabric conditioning article is affixed to the inside surface by anadhesive, comprising the steps: (a) operating the dryer to heat theadhesive; and (b) prying the fabric conditioning article to remove thearticle from the inside surface of the dryer. In one embodiment, thefabric conditioning article is a releasably affixed, multiple use fabricconditioning article. In another embodiment the inside surface of thedryer is chosen from an engaging side of a baffle, non-engaging side ofa baffle, door, baffle. In a preferred embodiment, the inside surface ofthe dryer is the engaging side of a baffle. In yet another embodiment,the adhesive is double-sided tape high adhesive. In still anotherembodiment, the fabric conditioning article comprising at least adocking member, wherein the docking member is affixed, preferablyreleasably affixed, to the inside surface of the dryer by an adhesive.

Another aspect of the invention provides for the use of heat fromoperating a dryer to help pry a releasably attached multiple use fabricconditioning article from the inside surface of a dryer, wherein thearticle is releasable attached to the inside surface by an adhesive.

The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that a useris able to more easily remove a fabric conditioning article that isadhesively attached to the dryer by heating the adhesive by theoperating the dryer for a short duration. Without wishing to be bound bytheory, the heat of the dryer brings the adhesive closer to itstransition temperature thereby providing less peel strength for the userto overcome in removing the article. In one embodiment, the dryer needonly be operated from about one minute to about ten minutes, preferablytwo minutes to about eight minutes, preferably four minutes to about sixminutes, preferably five minutes. In yet another embodiment, the dryeris operated on a high temperature setting, preferably a “cottonsetting.”

There are many ways of prying the fabric conditioning article from theinside surface of the dryer. However, the user should be mindful of notdamaging (e.g., scratching) the surface of the dryer. In someapplication, simply using fingers or a hand will be enough to remove thearticle. In one embodiment, a tool may be used, preferably a non-metaltool, more preferably a tool comprising plastic or a plastic coating,preferably a tool with a flat and thin part, to pry the article from theinside surface of the dryer. A non-limiting example of a prying toolincludes a plastic spatula. In one embodiment, a metal tool is avoided.In one embodiment, the fabric conditioning article comprises a dockingmember, wherein the docking member comprises a slot (e.g., slit, nitchor opening) to receive a tool for prying the docking member from theinside surface of the dryer. In yet another embodiment, the dockingmember provides an indicium of where a tool should be inserted fromprying.

The method of removing a fabric conditioning article, in one embodiment,further comprises the step of removing adhesive residue from the insidesurface of the dryer. The adhesive residue may be removed by using adetergent, preferably a mild detergent such as DAWN®, and/or using analcoholic solvent, preferably rubbing alcohol or ethyl alcohol. Using aclean, soft rag, with scrubbing is preferred. In another embodiment, themethod further comprises the step of avoiding re-attaching the fabricconditioning article that was removed.

Kit with Instructions

One aspect of the invention provides for a kit comprising: (a) a fabricconditioning article; and (b) instructions for conducting any one of thepreviously described methods. Instructions may be placed in the packageas pamphlet, printed on the packaging, or printed on the fabricconditioning article, or the shrinkwrap that may cover the article. Inone embodiment, the instructions are found in a flyer separate from thepackaging of the fabric conditioning article. In yet another embodiment,the instructions are provided from the Internet. In yet anotherembodiment, the instruction is operatively affixed to a surface on thedryer, provided the surface is one that can be seen by a user. The setof instructions can comprise pictures and/or icons. The instructions canbe in one language, e.g., English, or can be multilingual.

The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any patentswhich issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreignpatent applications), and publications mentioned throughout thisdescription are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expresslynot admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporated byreference herein teach or disclose the present invention.

Except as otherwise noted, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “oneor more.”

All percentages stated herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification will include every lower numericallimitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expresslywritten herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout thisspecification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if suchhigher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Everynumerical range given throughout this specification will include everynarrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range,as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A method of installing a releasably affixed, multiple use, fabricconditioning article in a dryer comprising the step of operativelyaffixing the conditioning article to a engaging side of a dryer baffleof said dryer.
 2. A method of installing a multiple use fabricconditioning article comprising the steps: (a) determining a rotation ofa drum of a dryer as either clockwise or counterclockwise; and (b)operatively affixing the article to an engaging side of a baffle of thedrum.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of operatively affixingthe article to an engaging side of a baffle comprising either: (a)affixing the article to the left side of the baffle, if the rotation ofthe drum is clockwise and provided that the baffle is substantially ator near the lowest point of elevation in the drum; (b) affixing thearticle to the right side of the baffle, if the rotation of the drum iscounterclockwise and provided that the baffle is substantially at ornear the lowest point of elevation in the drum.
 4. The method accordingto claim 2, wherein the step of determining the rotation of the drum aseither clockwise or counterclockwise comprises the steps of opening adoor to the dryer while the dryer is in operation and observing therotation of the drum.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein thestep of determining the rotation of the drum as either clockwise orcounterclockwise comprises the steps of: (a) starting a dryer; (b)waiting from about one second to about ten seconds; (c) opening a doorto the dryer while the dryer is in operation; and (d) observing therotation of the drum.
 6. A method of installing a multiple use fabricconditioning article in a dryer comprising the step of determiningwhether a dryer baffle is substantially flat or substantially non-flat.7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of operativelyaffixing the article to the engaging side of a baffle of the drum. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein determining the baffle is substantiallyflat further comprising the step of determining whether access to a lintscreen is either: (i) inside the dryer; or (ii) outside dryer.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein determining that the access to the lintscreen is outside the dryer further comprising the step of operativelyaffixing the conditioning article at the right side of the substantiallyflat fin, provided the baffle is substantially at or near the lowestpoint of elevation in the drum.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising the step of avoiding operatively affixing the fabricconditioning article to a hump fin.
 11. The method of claim 8, whereindetermining that the access to the lint screen is inside the dryerfurther comprising the step of operatively affixing the conditioningarticle at the left side of the substantially flat fin, provided thebaffle is substantially at or near the lowest point of elevation in thedrum.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step ofavoiding operatively affixing the fabric conditioning article to a humpfin.
 13. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the baffle issubstantially non-flat, further comprising the step of operativelyaffixing the conditioning article to substantially one half side of asubstantially concave side of the non-flat baffle.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein said non-flat dryer baffle is substantially V-shaped.15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one half side is a side nearestthe dryer door of the dryer.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising the step of avoiding operatively affixing the fabricconditioning article to a hump fin.
 17. The method according to claim 2,wherein the step of determining the rotation of the drum as eitherclockwise or counterclockwise comprises the step of extractinginformation from a database which provides drum rotation on a dryermanufacturer and/or model basis.